As the groundswell of criticism grows about alleged animal mistreatment at Marineland, the entertainer known for singing the attraction’s catchy jingle is speaking out.

Suzie McNeil, whose voice can be heard telling viewers “everyone loves Marineland,” said she was “very shocked and saddened” to read concerns about animals suffering neglect and illness at the theme park.

“I want to clarify to all of my fans that my involvement with Marineland does not exceed that of a vocal jingle I was hired to perform eight years ago and for which I was paid a flat rate and receive no residuals,” McNeil said in a statement issued to media.

She said Marineland owns and has the right to continue using the recording, “despite my feelings.”

“I plan on investigating this issue further, and doing anything in my power to help these animals.”

The fallout from a story published in a Toronto newspaper Wednesday — where former Marineland employees described what they felt to be deteriorating health conditions of the animals, poor water conditions and staffing shortages — has been fast and furious.

Marineland started trending on Twitter with people tweeting celebrity animal-rights activists, such as Ricky Gervais, Pamela Anderson and Ellen DeGeneres to have them chime in on the matter.

An online petition, which started Wednesday and aims to shut down Marineland, has more than 1,000 signatures. The goal is to reach 10,000 signatures.

Phillip Demers, who quit as a Marineland trainer in May after 12 years, said the poor conditions and a lack of action by park owner John Holer is what made him quit — and subsequently break a non-disclosure agreement by speaking out.

Marineland denies the allegations, saying the park’s animals are well taken care of. They say the animals alleged to have become sick because of poor water conditions were simply suffering from the effects of old age.

The allegations have resulted in some calling for the 51-year-old facility to be shut down, while some provincial politicians want the government to investigate the claims.

Accreditation agencies and other groups responsible for making sure privately-owned animals are properly cared for have recently inspected Marineland and gave it a passing grade.

Demers has received several calls from media outlets since the initial story broke. Many animal rights activists have contacted Demers and applauded him for standing up and taking a stand on what is a contentious issue.

He said while it’s nice to see people taking to social media to express their views, it will take more to enact real change.

“Tweeting is not activism. It will take a lot more than that,” said Demers.

He encourages people to contact those in a position of power, including government officials.

“There isn’t a specific credible organization that can force (Marineland) to a higher standard. Continue to make noise and stay passionate because the answers will come.”

Meanwhile, Marineland Animal Defense plans to protest at the tourist attraction Saturday afternoon. The rally, one of about 12 the animal-rights group holds at Marineland every year, was planned before the recent controversy.

Spokesman Dylan Powell said the protests usually attract between 15 and 100 people. With the negative publicity now surrounding Marineland, Powell expects there to be a record turnout.

“If the momentum keeps going, we should be looking at topping, or being around, our biggest-ever demonstration.”

The group will have to find another place to protest. In past years, demonstrations have been held in front of Marineland on Portage Rd. and participants would position themselves along a small parcel of land close to the front entrance gates.

Marineland has since leased the land because it said it wanted to plant flowers and trees as part of ongoing “beautification” efforts. Some critics believed it was a manoeuvre to try to silence them.

Council approved a three-year lease with Marineland for the city land earlier this year.

Powell said the protest will now take place across from the Marineland walk-in gates.

He said the group hasn’t decided if it will have some people protest in front of Holer’s residence, which it did in July.

The group has seen a significant spike in members this week and according to Powell, a doubling of its likes on Facebook.

“We have been flooded with e-mails. I can’t keep up. Demonstration RSVPs have gone from around 20 to well over 200. But that’s a good thing. We’re growing and so is our message.”

Marineland officials could not be reached to discuss how they might prepare for this weekend’s protest.

Niagara Regional Police Staff Sgt. Jim Leigh said officers will be at the protest to ensure it’s a peaceful demonstration.

“We are aware of the protest,” he said. “We will monitor the situation and adjust our resources accordingly.”

ray.spiteri@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @RaySpiteri

Marineland protest

Who: Marineland Animal Defense;

What: All volunteer, grassroots group;

When: Saturday, from noon-2 p.m.;

Where: Marineland;

Why: To protest what members believe to be a lack of proper care for animals at Marineland